SUPER BOWL LIII ANALYSIS Rams’ defense more than did its part against Patriots in Super Bowl
His voice wavered slightly as the emotion clearly moved across his face.
But Mark Barron didn’t want his expression to be misunderstood.
“I’m not about to cry,” the Rams linebacker said. “I’m pissed off.”
The New England Patriots defeated the Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-benz Stadium.
After scoring 78 points in their first two postseason games, the Patriots were repeatedly thwarted by the Rams. They had only two possessions that netted more than 60 yards and just one series that extended for more than nine plays.
The Patriots won the time of possession by more than six minutes as the Rams offense was forced to punt nine times.
In related news, Thompson will become a coveted free agent this summer. Though he remains adamant about wanting to re-sign with the Warriors, he wants them to offer a max contract for a few reasons. He cemented a key role in the Warriors’ three title runs in the past four years. He does not complain about his role that Stephen Curry and Durant often overshadow. And even if Durant leaves this summer, any paycut Thompson accepts would most likely lessen the Warriors’ luxury tax bill than help them sign another player
How has Thompson dealt with that uncertain backdrop?
“I look at the bright side. It means you’re wanted and it means you’re doing something right,” Thompson said. “It’s a part of our business. Even before free agency season comes, they love speculating on who’s going to go where. It shows the dynamics of the NBA. It’s good for our sport. It draws interest.”
Yet, the game remained tied as the midway point of the fourth quarter passed, thanks to a defensive effort good enough to win most NFL games.
“Definitely one of our best efforts of the year,” Barron said. “I’m proud of the guys for showing up and giving their best effort.”
And what could the Rams have done better?
“We could have played a perfect game,” Barron said. “We had some errors in there. We could have minimized those and played even better than we did.”
Both defenses produced one turnover. The Rams limited New England to a 3-for-12 performance on third down.
They sacked Tom Brady once and hit him three other times. The Rams were credited with five passes defensed and linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. had two tackles for loss.